B1 noun Formal #4,000 most common 1 min read

飲酒

inshu /inɕɯ/
Practice it

The formal term for the act of drinking alcohol, commonly used in regulations and health discussions.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • The act of consuming alcoholic beverages.
  • Often used in formal, legal, or health-related contexts.
  • Frequently combined with other words like driving or habits.

類語との比較

「晩酌（ばんしゃく）」は夕食時に家でお酒を楽しむという限定的な意味を持ち、「深酒（ふかざけ）」は飲み過ぎることを指します。「飲酒」はそれらよりも客観的で、行為そのものを指す中立的な言葉です。

Examples

1

飲酒は二十歳になってから。

everyday

Drinking alcohol is for those 20 and older.

2

飲酒運転は法律で禁止されています。

formal

Drunk driving is prohibited by law.

Common Collocations

飲酒運転 Drunk driving
飲酒を控える To refrain from drinking
過度な飲酒 Excessive drinking

Common Phrases

飲酒習慣

Drinking habits

飲酒量

Amount of alcohol consumed

Often Confused With

飲酒 vs 晩酌

Refers specifically to drinking at home with dinner. It has a cozy, domestic nuance.

Grammar Patterns

飲酒する 飲酒による～ 飲酒を控える

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Inshu is a formal noun. It is rarely used in casual spoken Japanese. Use it primarily in written documents or official announcements.

Common Mistakes

Don't use it as a verb directly like 'Inshu suru' in casual speech. Beginners often use it when they just mean 'I want to drink alcohol'.

Tips

💡

Use in formal settings

Use 'inshu' when writing reports, reading news, or discussing health policies. It sounds much more professional than saying 'osake wo nomu'.

⚠️

Avoid in casual conversation

Using 'inshu' with friends might sound like you are lecturing them. Stick to 'osake' or 'nomu' in relaxed social situations.

🌍

Strict laws in Japan

Japan has very strict zero-tolerance laws regarding drinking and driving. You will see the word 'inshu' everywhere on warning signs.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Japanese characters. 'In' (飲) means to drink, and 'Shu' (酒) means alcohol.

Cultural Context

Japan has a strong culture of social drinking, but 'inshu' is the term used when discussing the negative impacts or legal regulations surrounding it.

Memory Tip

Think of 'In' (In-ryo/Drink) and 'Shu' (Sake/Alcohol). It is the formal action of drinking sake.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

「飲む」は日常的でカジュアルな動詞です。一方、「飲酒」は名詞であり、法律や健康、公的なルールについて話す際に使われる硬い表現です。

使えますが、少し堅苦しい印象を与えます。友達との会話では「お酒を飲む」と言うのが自然です。

「飲酒する」として使われることがほとんどです。また、「飲酒を控える」というフレーズもよく使われます。

お酒を飲んだ状態で車を運転することを指します。非常に深刻な法律違反であり、日常的に注意喚起される言葉です。

Test Yourself

fill blank

健康のため、医師から___を控えるように言われた。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 飲酒

健康に関する文脈なので、飲酒を控えるという表現が適切です。

Score: /1

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